The hosts have been announced for an event described as the ‘biggest ever celebration of Prestonians and our great city’.
Former BBC Radio Lancashire presenter John Gillmore and BBC broadcaster Neetal Parekh will host the first ever Proud Preston Awards.
Launched by the Lancashire Post in partnership with Preston City Council, Blog Preston and Central Radio, the Proud Preston 2026 Awards will celebrate the outstanding people, organisations, and achievements that make Preston such a vibrant and inspiring community.
The glittering awards ceremony will be held on March 19, 2026 at Barton Manor Hotel and Spa – and the host of the Parched Pea Podcast Gilly and fellow broadcaster Neetal will be behind the microphones to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, three course meal and of course the fabulous awards. Charity partner of the event is Vault Youth Zone Preston.
People have until February 5 to nominate their community heroes by visiting the Proud Preston Awards website here.
Vanessa Sims, Editor of the Lancashire Post said: “March 19 will be the biggest celebration of Prestonians ever.
“It is going to be wonderful to see a spotlight shone on all the wonderful people going above and beyond to make our city the special place it is.
“I’m looking forward to seeing John and Neetal recognise the work of the fantastic community champions and organisations making Preston Proud.”
There are many ways to get involved with Proud Preston 2026 Awards including nominating your personal heroes as well as category and event sponsorship.
So far 75 per cent of all sponsorship opportunities have been snapped up by proud businesses wanting to show their communities and employees they care.
Stuart Mulrooney, Commercial Director at the Lancashire Post, said “This event is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and businesses driving Preston forward.
“We’re encouraging local businesses to get involved and play their part in what promises to be a special celebration of the Preston community.”
The event will see coverage across a variety of platforms including the Lancashire Post online and in print, on Blog Preston and on Central Radio’s airwaves.
How to nominate?
Visit the Proud Preston Awards website, create an account, and follow the instructions to nominate.
There’s a frequently asked questions page with some guidance about nominating.
Want to back the Proud Preston Awards?
Each category is available for businesses or organisations to sponsor and show their support and help make the Proud Preston Awards an annual fixture in the city’s events calendar. If you’re interested contact stuart.mulrooney@iconicmediagroup.co.uk
Anyone with any questions about the event can contact event manager Sam Campbell on samantha.campbell@iconicmediagroup.co.uk
Support Blog Preston: Keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox. Help us report too, by contacting us if you see something we should be reporting on.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
